More than £1m is to be spent transforming a coastal town's aquarium into a state-of-the-art attraction, according to its new owners.

Underwater World in Hastings, which has been bought by Blue Reef Leisure, was closed on Tuesday for refurbishment.

Its owners said the centre would be reopened with new interactive displays as the Blue Reef Aquarium at Easter.

Hasting's Smugglers Adventure and 1066 Story, which were also bought by the firm, will remain open.

'More involvement'

Ian Cunningham, of Blue Reef Leisure, said the company planned to "completely transform" the site.

"As well as a total re-design we will also be turning the giant underwater walk-through tunnel display into a stunning tropical coral reef which will be home to hundreds of brightly coloured fish, stingrays and black tip reef sharks."

"A key part of the Blue Reef ethos is interaction, both with our aquarists and with the marine world, to create memorable experiences.

"Our intention is to get people much more involved during their visit," he added.